7 Comments

How old is she and what kind of surgery and what kind of anesthesia did she have? For most open heart surgery patients, putting them on antidepressants is part of the protocol. When my husband, then not even 50 had his aorta and aortic valve replaced, he was placed, with my permission, on antidepressant medication while inthe hospital. Most of these meds take 5-6 weeks to kick in. By the time he started feeling like he was never going to be able to get back to "normal", the meds kicked in and gave him a "ground floor" that he couldn't sink below. 10 weeks after surgery, he was physically AND psychologically strong enough to cope with the NYC subway strike and walk across the Manhattan Bridge each day and up to Midtown where his office was.

By contrast, his mom, much older (80), had similar surgery, no antidepresssant meds given. She was as weak and discouraged as he was; her son who was POA decided to reject meds as "they won't keep you from being depressed if you don't want to be undepressed" (???). She refused rehab and starved herself to death. Obviously what I'm telling you is make sure that your mom is on antidepressant meds. Rehab is hard, but it works, one step at a time.

Yea!!!! tear tear.... She doing excellent. I have a lot to be proud of this year.

However, The late and great Joan Riverswasn't able to pull out of it... sadly.Now she has no pain and won't sufferany more... I only hope she have hersoul to God and prayed to him beforeher passing... :(.

At one time I remember reading that for every hour one is under anesthesia, it takes a month to bounce back... thus a two hour surgery will take two months to recover. Each week she should start feeling a bit more peppy.

The material of this web site is provided for informational purposes only. AgingCare.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; or legal, or financial or any other professional services advice.